A Leader for Rapids

Writers: Aaron, Devin
Date Posted: 11th February 2021

Characters: N'vanik, S'kand
Description: S'kand gets a promotion!
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 8, day 16 of Turn 10
Notes: Mentioned: D'hol

N'vanik

Although N'vanik had been considering disbanding Rapids Wing after
they lost a number of pairs to Barrier Lake, a tropical Weyr was a
popular location and they'd had a small influx of transfers from all
over. With the class of recently graduated Weyrlings also adding to
the ranks, there would be enough pairs to keep Rapids.

The issue remaining was finding stable leadership for the Wing. S'kand
was already a wingrider there, he was older with several Turns of
experience, and seemed overall very stable and dedicated. So the
bronzerider was at the top of the list, and N'vanik had called him
into his office to see if he might be interested in leading the Wing.

"Fair skies, Weyrleader!" S'kand greeted him as he joined N'vanik in
his office. There were a few reasons why a weyrleader might want to
speak to him, and S'kand was fairly confident that none of the less
pleasant ones were likely. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Have a seat, S'kand." N'vanik smiled. "I have a proposal for you."

S'kand took a seat, though he sat forward in the chair, back straight
and hands in his lap.

"By all means!" he said. "How might I help?"

"Your current Wingleader is doing an admirable job, but he agreed to
it with the intent that it was temporary. He's ready to retire, and
Rapids needs a permanent leader," N'vanik said. "I was hoping you
might agree to take the job."

"I'm honored!" S'kand answered. "And I would gladly step up." He had
been flying long enough to be more than confident that he could handle
the responsibility.

N'vanik smiled at his enthusiasm. "Great! I don't want to rush you,
but I'll make it official as of today. Your current Wingleader will
switch to 'Second to support you, and you can name your own 'Second
when you're ready. We've already discussed that."

"Brilliant," said S'kand. He smiled and held out his hand to shake. He
planned to make it a smooth transition, but he also would not make the
wingleader stay on too long if he was ready to retire. "Thank you,
sir. I won't disappoint you."

N'vanik took his hand. "I'm sure you'll do a fine job. Let me know if
there's anything I can do to make the transition easier."

"You'll be the first to know – after my Second, that is." S'kand
smiled, but he waited to stand until he was dismissed.

"Oh, let me get your new knots." N'vanik pulled open a drawer and
picked up the Wingleader knots that he had ready and waiting. Handing
them over to S'kand, he said, "Congratulations, Wingleader." The older
rider was truly a solid choice, if a bit stiff and proper for
N'vanik's tastes.

Now S'kand stood when N'vanik did and accepted the knots.

"Thank you for your confidence, Weyrleader," he answered. Stiff and
proper was the only way he had ever been. But he did not seem at all
perturbed at a more relaxed attitude from others.

At least he was no D'hol, N'vanik thought with amusement. "Good luck,
S'kand. You're free to go."

"Thank you, sir," said S'kand. Then, the formal bit having finished,
he asked, "Have you eaten?"

"Not yet. I was planning to get some more work done first. . ."
N'vanik glanced at the hides stacked at one end of his desk. "But I
can take a break now."

"The work will always be there, eh?" S'kand smiled. "Fresh eyes and a
full belly never go amiss."

"True," N'vanik said with a little chuckle. And this would be a good
way to get to know the other bronzerider a little better. "Let's head
down to the Dining Cavern."

Last updated on the February 19th 2021

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A Leader for Rapids